The Abbey itself was founded as a Benedictine Abbey in 1083 by Roger De Montgomery who was related to William the Conquerer and is still a place of worship. It has a powerful atmosphere: the history seeps through the walls.

lord and lady shrewsbury abbey

The first thing you notice (apart from the beautiful stained glass and the high altar), is the font. This is made from an upturned Roman column, said to be from nearby Wroxeter.

inside shrewsbury-abbey

Although there are over 660 ancient buildings in Shrewsbury, the Norman arches which were built in 1083 are the only building work left that date from 11th century.

There are quite a few tombs in the abbey and also what remains the remains of a shrine to St Winefride.

Appleyards is a Deli on the corner of Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury. The window is a fascinating array of strange cheeses, homemade bread, exotic sausages and bottles of unusual ale.

The smells that waft out of the shop every time the door is opened just makes you want to go in. Once inside, you can spend ages looking at all the unfamiliar food. We bought some ale, olive bread and cheese from here. Can’t remember what the cheese was called but it was lovely, spicy and peppery!